2022 Tesla Model 3 Visibility Problems

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front windshield (Acoustic Glass) failed due to a spontaneous stress fracture. The crack originated from the edge of the glass without any external impact. The vehicle has been repaired, but the service records and high-resolution photos of the crack are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The spontaneous crack occurred suddenly during a heatwave, significantly obstructing the driver’s forward visibility. Furthermore, the crack expanded rapidly during a subsequent rainstorm and temperature change, compromising the structural integrity of the windshield and potentially interfering with the front-facing ADAS cameras (Autopilot/Safety features) located behind the rearview mirror. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was formally inspected and confirmed by the Tesla Burlingame Service Center. They issued a written evaluation report stating the damage was a "Stress Impact" (a manufacturing/structural defect) rather than a rock chip. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the component was inspected by the manufacturer (Tesla Service Centers in both Burlingame and San Francisco). Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps or messages appeared. However, this vehicle was previously subject to a Heat Pump recall (22V045) related to defrosting issues, which may have contributed to long-term thermal stress on the windshield structure prior to this failure.

NHTSA ID

11733457

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

My 2022 Tesla Model 3 experienced a heat pump compressor failure at approximately 89,457 miles. Tesla Service Center diagnosed an internal failure in the heat pump system. The heat pump system controls cabin heating, windshield defrosting, and thermal management for the vehicle. When the system failed, the vehicle lost heating and proper defrost capability. This can impair windshield visibility during cold or foggy conditions, creating a potential safety hazard while driving. Tesla quoted approximately $3,000 to repair the compressor and declined warranty assistance despite the system being critical to safe vehicle operation.

NHTSA ID

11721824

Incident

Feb 24, 2026

While using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and other highways, the vehicle’s automated steering system repeatedly malfunctions by failing to maintain lane centering. Specifically, the car drifts or actively steers across double yellow lines into the lane of oncoming traffic. This issue is a persistent failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and Lane Keeping Assistance. The vehicle has attempted this maneuver multiple times at [Approximate Speed, e.g., 40-60 mph], requiring immediate and forceful manual steering intervention to avoid head-on collisions with oncoming vehicles. The system provides no warning chimes, error messages, or "Take Over Immediately" alerts prior to crossing the lines; it appears to perceive the oncoming lane as a valid path or fails to recognize the double yellow boundary entirely. This has occurred during [mention conditions: e.g., bright daylight with high glare / night time]. The vehicle is equipped with Hardware 3.0 (HW3). I believe the 1.2-megapixel camera suite or the processing power of the HW3 computer is insufficient to safely navigate the geometry of the PCH or any roads within mountains/hills. I have attempted to "Clear Calibration" and performed system resets, but the life-threatening behavior persists. The vehicle and its internal data logs are available for inspection. I have also sent "Bug Reports" via voice command to the manufacturer immediately following these near-miss events.

NHTSA ID

11720201

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

When cabin heat is enabled, visible vapor/smoke emits from the front trunk area under the windshield cowl and is pulled directly into the cabin through the HVAC intake. The vapor has a chemical/sweet odor consistent with coolant or refrigerant. Smoke enters the passenger compartment, especially when stopped or idling. This occurs repeatedly in cold temperatures and stops immediately when HVAC heat is turned off. No warning lights appear. This appears to be a heat pump or coolant system leak upstream of the cabin intake, allowing chemical fumes to enter the cabin air stream. Occupants are exposed to fumes while driving. This is a safety concern due to inhalation risk and lack of driver warning.

NHTSA ID

11715170

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

While driving, the center display intermittently goes completely black. When this occurs, I lose access to the speedometer and all driver information. The issue has been ongoing and progressively worsening. The vehicle was purchased new. The issue was reported during the warranty period and initially attributed to software updates. A recent service visit confirmed the vehicle computer is failing, and the issue immediately recurred after pickup. Loss of speed and driver information while driving creates a safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11707068

Incident

Dec 25, 2025

This car uses auto-dimming rear view and side mirrors. However, the rear view mirror is only able to be dimmed automatically, or be disabled in the settings. The issue is that the dimming is not based on a light sensor at all, it is merely timed to dim around 30 minutes after sunset and return to normal 30 minutes before sunrise. I have confirmed this timing on many drives and it is repeatable. The safety concern is that there is no way to manually dim the rear view mirror, which is a big issue around sunrise and sunset when cars headlights turn on before the mirrors dim. This is especially an issue with larger trucks behind a sedan like my Model 3. The only option I have to fight the blinding glare from headlights is to manually move my mirror so that I can no longer see out of the rear window, which makes lane changes much more dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11702595

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

All safety and driver-assistance systems on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 failed due to an internal short in the vehicle’s computer, as confirmed in writing by Tesla’s technician. All cameras (rear, side, front) are non-functional, navigation does not work, and all ADAS features (Autopilot, lane-keeping, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, etc.) are disabled. The vehicle has no visibility when reversing and no active safety protections while driving. Tesla documented the cause as an internal computer failure, not related to damage or misuse. This creates a dangerous condition on public roads since the car loses all safety systems. Tesla quoted ~$2,900 for a new computer even though the failure involves critical safety components. This may indicate a broader safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11700443

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD in February 2025, I began noticing a persistent musty, mold-like odor coming from the HVAC vents whenever the air conditioning or defrost was on. The odor worsens when driving with the windows down. I reported this issue to Tesla multiple times between May and October 2025. Tesla replaced the cabin filters but refused to perform a full evaporator or HVAC disinfection, stating the odor was “normal.” Despite the filter changes, the smell always returns within a few weeks. Between these visits, I also tried to resolve the issue myself by replacing filters, using odor-eliminating products, and placing moisture absorbers inside the vehicle, but nothing has resolved the problem. This ongoing issue has led to repeated respiratory and eye irritation, including a documented pneumonia case in April 2025. The symptoms clearly worsen after time spent in the car. Tesla has not offered any permanent fix, warranty repair, or replacement. The problem appears to stem from mold or microbial buildup within the HVAC evaporator and duct system, which could affect air quality and occupant health. This raises safety concerns regarding possible HVAC design flaws or moisture retention issues that may affect other Tesla vehicles. The issue is ongoing as of November 2025 and has been reported to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS Case #2511-00831) for further review.

NHTSA ID

11697649

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that after having a software update completed on the vehicle, while the defroster was activated, the windshield failed to clear up as needed. The contact stated that the heater also failed to operate as needed. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact learned of a recall for the failure however, the contact was unable to confirm if the VIN was previously included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the next repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was 83,000.

NHTSA ID

11643931

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

Mileage

83,000 mi

* The AC/Heat Pump Compressor and Supermanifold has failed at 64k miles. Vehicle is undrivable and parked at this time. * AC/Heat Pump Compressor and Supermanifold prevents the windshield from being cleared/defrosted/defogged, causing visibility issues and a danger to myself and others. * Vehicle remotely diagnosed and quote received totalling $3047.52 to repair the issue. * Components have not been removed from the vehicle yet. * There were no warnings prior to the failure of the AC/Heat Pump Compressor and Supermanifold.

NHTSA ID

11643728

Incident

Feb 18, 2025

Dear NHTSA, I am filing a formal complaint regarding Tesla's refusal to properly address a critical safety recall on my vehicle (Recall Number 24V554). This recall involves a significant safety issue that Tesla is legally obligated to remedy free of charge under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The required over-the-air software update associated with this recall repeatedly fails to install, getting stuck at 50% completion. I scheduled a service appointment and took the vehicle to Tesla for assistance. However, Tesla informed me that they will not diagnose the issue or investigate why their software update fails to install unless I agree to pay $255.00 for a general diagnosis. Additionally, they require me to pre-approve a total of $2,658.28, including the diagnostic fee, in case the computer needs to be replaced. This approach leaves me unable to proceed with a mandatory safety recall and directly contradicts Tesla’s legal obligation to repair safety-related defects at no cost to the consumer. I urge the NHTSA to investigate Tesla's practices concerning this recall and their apparent refusal to adhere to their obligations under the law. This situation raises concerns about Tesla’s commitment to addressing safety-critical issues in a manner that ensures public safety and compliance with federal regulations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ID

11636379

Incident

Jan 14, 2025

On 10/9/23 and prior on 9/17/22 while driving the windshield wiper blades will activate while there is no rain or water on windshield It will go on for several minutes which impairs visibility through the front windshield making it difficult to drive

NHTSA ID

11549136

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that the driver’s side window would activate while the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that window would roll down independently. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,812. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11508917

Incident

Dec 12, 2022

Mileage

3,812 mi

The contact leased a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the passenger’s and driver’s side windows failed to close completely. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the window rolled down and his hand outside the vehicle, the window inadvertently rolled up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer arrived at the residence, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,015.

NHTSA ID

11503673

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

Mileage

25,015 mi

This vehicle along with many tesla vehicles has issues where it will randomly brake when in Autopilot mode going from sometimes high speeds such as 75mph trying to force the car down to as little as 35mph in a very fast manner, causing an increasing concern for vehicle collisions. As well as the automatic wipers not functioning properly and operating too fast when there is no precipitation as well as too slow when there is precipitation causing a potential visibility issue.

NHTSA ID

11503209

Incident

Jan 23, 2023

2022 TESLA MODEL 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-702.

NHTSA ID

11500070

Incident

Jan 4, 2023

Cabin heat and defroster not working. Blower works, but no heat, so windshield cannot defrost or defog - Car can be made available for inspection. Makes driving the car difficult and risky in cold weather. Tesla is aware of the problem. Nobody has inspected it. A warning light did come on, saying that heat was not working. Plus, Teslas service is ridiculous. This is a warranty issue, but I am going to have to get the car from about three hours away. This is not reasonable.

NHTSA ID

11499404

Incident

Dec 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that within the first week of purchasing the vehicle, he noticed that the front driver's side window would independently lower upon opening the front driver's side door. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred with the rear driver's side window and the front and rear passenger's side windows. The contact stated that the windows would lower when opening the doors and would roll up when closing the doors. The contact later received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility), however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA ID

11495692

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

Mileage

200 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, an object struck the windshield. The contact became aware of little holes on the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was impact related and she had to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 200.

NHTSA ID

11476939

Incident

Jul 2, 2022

Mileage

200 mi

Tesla model 3 2022 rear side windows shattered all of a sudden with no other accidents. My 6 year old girl was sitting in the car next to it and we are all in a shock . We are trying to find the right way to report to Tesla . We checked online and saw more blog posts with same issue . Please help.

NHTSA ID

11460286

Incident

Apr 9, 2022

When putting the car into reverse, the rear camera comes on, while reversing pulling up the climate controls to turn on heated steering wheel, after exiting the climate control screen (while still reversing) the camera doesn’t come back on automatically… there is risk for crash

NHTSA ID

11458326

Incident

Feb 14, 2022

When cruise is turned on the wipers turn on. This was their response. Hello Dominic, This is Ken from Tesla virtual service center. We have been getting some push back on the most recent update doing what you are saying regarding autopilot/autowipers. Our auto wipers and sensors with our windshields need improvement and is still in beta. I am not sure why the factory has decided to lock in the auto wipers function during autopilot for that reason on last months firmware update. Your comments along with others have been reported back to the factory to provide feedback to them on the problems you are facing as a customer. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to override this or turn it off. hopefully it will no longer be the case after the next update but a mobile tech coming out on the 19th will not be able to rectify this concern.

NHTSA ID

11452699

Incident

Feb 18, 2022